Study: Schoolgirls not aware of Stem career opportunities

By Dan Buckley

Most girls in secondary school are not aware of the career opportunities available to them from choosing science and technology subjects, according to a new study.

In a survey of more than 2,200 students in transition year, 59% of girls said they do not know enough about Stem subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths), despite continuing efforts to motivate schoolgirls to pursue careers in science.

Nearly half (48%) said they have not yet chosen their Leaving Certificate subjects.

A survey of teachers shows 98% of them identified the level of awareness of Stem careers as a significant challenge to the promotion of science studies, while 93% of teachers cited girls’ lack of belief in their own ability as a “top challenge” to promoting such subjects in schools.

The survey, undertaken by the non-profit company I Wish, also found that nine out of 10 teachers wanted to see workshops for girls to improve their confidence and resilience. The same proportion of teachers recommend co-teaching of Stem subjects with experts in industry.

The survey of 2,241 girls was published as Mary Mitchell O’Connor, the minister of state for higher education, launched two initiatives to enhance Stem education:

• The fifth annual I Wish showcases, which will take place over four days in Dublin and Cork next February
• Dublin City University’s ‘World of Opportunities’ careers guide for parents, teachers and students

Ms Mitchell O’Connor said the need to increase gender diversity in Stem has been widely recognised and the research once again highlights the challenge we face.

“We need to make more young people aware of the vast learning opportunities and potential careers that exist in Stem,” she said.

DCU president Brian MacCraith said the university’s Our World of Opportunities publication is designed to explain, in accessible language, the exciting new careers available to those with Stem qualifications.

The task of selecting a career path in Stem areas can be somewhat daunting to those not familiar with new and evolving terminology,” he said.

“The second purpose of our publication is to highlight, through real examples, female role models in exciting Stem careers.”

Caroline O’Driscoll, co-founder of I Wish, said: ‘We can now demonstrate definitively that the more a girl is exposed to extracurricular Stem events, the more likely she is to take on related Leaving Cert subjects and college courses. Information and confidence are also key, however.

“We must continuously showcase the opportunities through Stem and build girls confidence in their ability to improve people’s lives through Stem. We need to act now to make a difference.”